Reloading for multiple .223 chambers what do you do?

[Jory45acp]

I've got a question for those who have several rifles/pistols in .223. Do you load specifically for each one or load low end SAMMI spec and use 1 round for all? As far as loads I'm only referring to general plinking/range ammo. This is not for any kind of match grade or target application. With multiple possible chamber variations in AR's .223/5.56/Wlyde and looking to make loads just for range use and practice with 55gr FMJ's. I'm curious what others do. None of the ammo in question will be used in varmint .223 bolt guns as they have specific brass/bullet load specs. This questions applies to semiauto use only. Any experiences or advice is appreciated.

 

[GLShooter]

Load for the smallest round. I call that my cannon fodder. I like having about 1000 rounds of it laying around for those desert excursions with family and friends.

Greg

 

[urbanrifleman]

Load to .223" overall length.

 

[robert8904]

I generally load separately for each rifle since the effort/round is the same. I do try to have some prepped brass with enough shoulder set back to load for all of them. That gives a max of .005" head space in the "longest" chamber. This longest chambered rifle shoots accurately with .005" head space and using .002" spaced brass seems to make little if any difference in accuracy.

I do keep some universal ammo loaded that is optimal in one favorite rifle but does ok in the others. I seldom use any of this ammo in the other rifles since it's so easy to load optimal ammo for them Even for plinking, I can't get past the thought of not shooting optimal ammo.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Semi Auto? Full length resize and load. Just like "off the shelf factory ammo".
Only after you've been loading for a while and really know what you're doing, do you start loading to a different OAL , powder and bullet weight.
What works for someone else doesn't mean it will work for you.

 

[Ray123]

I Reload for the tightest chamber, the rest of the guns in 223s or 308s will chamber and shoot it just fine..thats what I do all 6 autos and bolts in 308 will shoot the same exact load... just like the ammo factories....

 

[acloco]

Load for each chamber, seperate by head stamp. (one brass mfg for each chamber)

 

[TheOtherZilla]

Each has it's own load data. I have 3 223's. and three loads. Same for my 22-250's. Have three, and three loads.

 

[jelenko]

I go thru three barrels on an AR a season. The barrels are 'match grade' - I resize everything to SAAMI zero max - so ~ -3/1000 to 0.
That said, I am very happy with 1/2 MOA +/- groups. .75MOA group is just fine.

 

[6bra1k]

i load for each one for REAL AMMO, for bulk blasting ammo i build clones of usgi 55fmjbt and 62 fmbscbt

 

[6MMsteve]

I use a standard 223 Remmington die for all brass in a 5.56 and wylde, for bulk loading and stockpile shtf stuff you can only carry about 300 rounds while moving, maybe 400 if you young

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

For my AR's I load brass sized using the Lyman ammo checker to make sure rounds will chamber in all three, regardless of the bullet/load. Just encase. I have a 60 gr max load that shoots great in my carbine, round will run in all three. I have a 50 gr sx load for a Bushmaster,very accurate, works in all three. These all will work in my bolt guns also, my best bolt gun loads however are to long for AR mags.

 

[Metal God]

Like GLshooter , I have some loads that are based off the smallest chamber had to datum . Those are generally my 55 grain fmj with H335 .

I also load separate match rounds for some individual rifles but in all actuality most of my rifles will shoot each other’s ammo quite well most of my chambers are within .001 of each other and I bump .003 so for the most part Im gtg regardless .

You just have to pay special attention to that one rifle/chamber that is different tends to show higher pressures lesser charge weights for same velocities etc. that chamber you don’t just keep throwing random stuff in from your other rifles you’re gonna have to load that one special .

 

[Herzo]

My precision rifles have dedicated loads , all others shoot a generic load.

 

[Surgeonwithagun]

If you have one round that will run in all and shoots well, you are made. Unfortunately if it is like my multiple 357 magnum situation, most guns will have rounds that shoot best in them and not as well in others. The good loads/rounds (mostly SD stuff) go in labelled boxes.

John